Point Mugu State Park offers two distinct camping areas for pet owners. The Sycamore Canyon Campground sits inland with hiking trails nearby, while Thornhill Broome positions campers directly on the beach. Both locations allow dogs in camping areas, though many surrounding trails at Point Mugu prohibit pets due to wildlife concerns. Mountain lions have been spotted in several campgrounds across Ventura County, requiring extra vigilance when camping with animals, especially at dusk and dawn when wildlife is most active.
What to do
Explore tide pools and caves: At Leo Carrillo State Park Campground, the beach access is a major draw for visitors. "The best part about this campground is definitely the beach access- it's about a 10-minute walk from most sites, and you can explore some amazing tide pools and caves once you get there. The kids loved searching for hermit crabs and sea anemones," reports Alfred.
Try archery on weekends: Tapo Canyon Park offers an archery range open to the public on Saturdays. "The archery range is one of the best in California. There is a members area and the original range is open to the public on Saturdays from 9-1, with a nominal $5 fee," mentions a reviewer. This makes for an unexpected activity option when camping with older children.
Hike mountain trails: Malibu Creek State Park Campground provides access to numerous trails. "The state park is a former movie set and is filled with easily accessible trails for hiking and some for mountain biking. The primary trails were open fire roads with off-shoots to lakes, pools, meadows, and more," says Ryan W. This park offers a mix of terrain suitable for different skill levels.
What campers like
Ocean views from elevated sites: Malibu Beach RV Park offers premium views from its cliff-top location. "Most amazing views of the pacific from the ocean view sites. Friendly staff at check in and wonderful experience, even despite the pouring rain," Nicole M. shares. The park features a viewing area on the cliff edge where campers can relax.
Beach camping with ocean sounds: Thornhill Broome Beach provides a genuine beach camping experience. "We fell asleep to the ocean. You're right on the sand. The campfire is in a metal barrel, you have a picnic table and you're on the beach. There's rocks to the left and right that are fun to explore," writes Garrett M. This location allows pets directly on the beach, which many Southern California beach campgrounds don't permit.
Canyon shade trees: Leo Carrillo State Park offers natural protection from the sun. "The campground is tucked away in a beautiful canyon setting with lots of shade trees, which was really nice for keeping cool. Our site was spacious enough for our two tents and had a good fire pit and picnic table setup," notes Alfred. The canyon setting provides a cooler microclimate during hot summer months.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. At Tapo Canyon Park, "There is no Wi-Fi here and as best we could tell, no cellular signal for any provider," reports one camper. Plan accordingly if you need to stay connected.
Wildlife considerations: Be alert for wildlife when camping with pets. At Point Mugu State Park, "Dogs are allowed on the beach and campsites, but not allowed on the trails. Park Rangers advised me this was due to rattle snakes on trails," states Ron U.
Peacock noise: Some campgrounds have resident peacocks that can disrupt sleep. At Ventura Ranch KOA, a camper warns, "They are beautiful, but screech VERY loudly. They poop everywhere, even on top of our trailer." Come prepared with earplugs if you're a light sleeper.
Tips for camping with families
Bring a wagon for beach gear: When camping near beaches with children, transport equipment easily. At Leo Carrillo, "Bring a wagon if you're hauling beach gear though, as the walk can feel long with all your stuff," Alfred suggests. This simple addition makes beach days with children much more manageable.
Visit playgrounds at county parks: Kenney Grove Park offers family-friendly amenities. "There's a nice park, but small, for the little campers. Each site had a fire pit and a picnic table," mentions a reviewer. The playground equipment provides entertainment for younger campers when not exploring trails.
Consider family-focused KOAs: Ventura Ranch KOA caters specifically to families with activities. "From zipline obstacle courses to tie dye classes, this KOA easily occupies kids and has teepee and cabin rentals available for glampers, but nice showers, clean bathrooms and a roomy pool area really make this campground 5 stars," Manya explains. The structured activities can provide welcome entertainment during longer stays.
Tips from RVers
Check shower token systems: Many campgrounds in the area use coin-operated showers. At Leo Carrillo State Park, "The token system ($2 for 2 minutes) takes some getting used to," shares one camper. Bring quarters and time your showers efficiently to avoid running out of hot water.
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some locations. At Ventura Ranch KOA, "Our lot was secluded, private and close to the entrance/exit. The only thing was the unlevel ground we were on. Our RV was a simple 30' rental without any leveling," notes Khaled A. Bring leveling blocks to ensure comfort, especially at sites positioned on slopes or natural terrain.
Verify dump station locations: Not all campgrounds with RV sites have on-site dump stations. "There is no dump station on site," reports a camper at Kenney Grove Park. Research nearby dump stations before your trip to plan for this essential RV service.
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